Fulbright Board Resignation: How Trump Administration Interference Shakes Up Global Education

Recently, nearly all members of the board overseeing the Fulbright Program resigned, citing political interference from the Trump administration. Only one member remains on the 12-person board, which is meant to oversee this prestigious program created to promote international educational and cultural exchange.

The Fulbright Program, established by the 1961 Fulbright-Hays Act, grants around 8,000 merit-based scholarships each year. These scholarships allow individuals from various fields to study, teach, or conduct research in about 160 countries. The board’s role includes approving scholarship recipients after a thorough evaluation process, which aims to maintain nonpartisan integrity.

In a resignation letter published on Substack, former board members expressed their distress over alleged interference, claiming they felt pressured to deny Fulbright awards to deserving candidates. They highlighted an unauthorized review process imposed on foreign recipients, which jeopardized the program’s core values like free speech and academic freedom.

According to recent reports, the Trump administration’s actions have not just affected a handful of applications but reportedly impacted at least 1,200 foreign Fulbright recipients. Critics argue that this undermines the program and raises questions about political favoritism in academic opportunities.

Interestingly, the State Department responded, labeling the board members as partisan appointees and dismissing their claims about their authority in the application process. However, the department’s own policies suggest that the Fulbright Board does have final say over participant selections, creating a tension between the two parties.

The fallout has also led experts and former board members to recognize the broader implications. James Costos, a resigning member, noted the Fulbright Program was intended to foster global understanding and prevent conflicts. “If we can connect different cultures, perhaps we can avoid wars,” he argued, reflecting the program’s original vision.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen voiced similar concerns. She emphasized the importance of a board that acts as a check on executive power, arguing that interference could dilute the quality and intent of the program. According to Shaheen, the recent events could lead to less independent research and scholarship opportunities, reshaping the landscape of U.S. educational exchange.

This upheaval within the Fulbright board poses significant questions about the future direction of the program. It leaves many wondering how the remaining board member will proceed and what qualifications future appointees may have. The application period for the next grant cycle is already open, with a deadline approaching in early October.

To learn more about the Fulbright Board and its roles, you can visit the State Department’s official [Fulbright page](https://eca.state.gov/fulbright/about-fulbright/fulbright-foreign-scholarship-board-ffsb).

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